Lighting system for growing plants which provides a location indication

ABSTRACT

A lighting system includes an LED controller, and an LED array which includes first and second LED sub-arrays, wherein the LED array is operatively coupled to the LED controller. The lighting system includes an antenna in communication with the LED controller. First and second wavelength spectrums are provided by the first and second LED sub-arrays, respectively, and are adjustable in response to adjusting an input signal provided to the antenna.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No. 15/004,320 filed Jan. 22, 2016 and later granted as U.S. Pat. No. 9,986,621, the contents of which are hereby incorporated herein by reference in its entirety as if set forth verbatim.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Field of the Invention

This invention relates generally to facilitating plant growth using light.

Description of the Related Art

Some lighting systems for growing plants utilize gas-based lights and other lighting systems utilize light emitting diodes (LEDs). More information regarding lighting systems for growing plants can be found in U.S. Pat. No. 6,688,759 to Hadjimichael, the contents of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety. Information regarding lighting systems that utilize LEDs can be found in U.S. Pat. No. 5,012,609 to Ignatius et al., U.S. Pat. No. 5,278,432 to Ignatius et al., U.S. Pat. No. 6,474,838 to Fang et al., U.S. Pat. No. 6,602,275 to Sullivan, U.S. Pat. No. 6,921,182 to Anderson et al., U.S. Patent Application No. 20040189555 to Capen et al., U.S. Patent Application No. 20070058368 to Partee et al., U.S. Patent Application No. 20110125296 to Bucove, et al., U.S. Patent Application No. 20050030538 to Jaffar and International Application No. PCT/CA2007/001096 to Tremblay et al., the contents of all of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

Other lighting systems are disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 8,657,463 to Lichten et al., U.S. Pat. No. 8,739,465 to Goeschl, and U.S. Pat. No. 8,826,589 to Goeschl, as well as U.S. Patent Application No. 20050030538 to Jaffar et al. and U.S. Patent Application No. 20080094857 to Smith et al., the contents of all of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

There are many different manufacturers that use light emitting diodes for the growing of plants. Some of these manufacturers include Homegrown Lights, Inc., which provides the Procyon 100, SuperLED, which provides the LightBlaze 400, Sunshine Systems, which provides the GrowPanel Pro, Theoreme Innovation, Inc., which provides the TI SmartLamp, and HID Hut, Inc., which provides the LED UFO.

However, it is desirable to provide a lighting system which provides an indication of its location.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention is directed to a lighting system for facilitating the growth of plants, wherein the lighting system provides an indication of its location. The novel features of the invention are set forth with particularity in the appended claims. The invention will be best understood from the following description when read in conjunction with the accompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1a is a block diagram of an apparatus, which includes a computer and a first lighting system operatively in communication with the computer.

FIG. 1b is a block diagram of another apparatus, which includes the computer and the first lighting system of FIG. 1a , and a second lighting system operatively in communication with the computer.

FIG. 2a is a block diagram of an apparatus, which includes the computer of FIG. 1a , and a lighting system array operatively in communication with the computer.

FIG. 2b is a schematic diagram of the apparatus of FIG. 2a proximate to an area, wherein the apparatus includes the lighting system array of FIG. 2 a.

FIG. 2c is a front view of the computer of FIG. 2b , which includes a display displaying a digital location map corresponding to FIG. 2 b.

FIG. 2d is a front view of the computer, which includes the display of FIG. 2c displaying a digital light map corresponding to FIG. 2 b.

FIG. 2e is a schematic diagram of the apparatus of FIG. 2b proximate to the area of FIG. 2b , wherein a lighting system of the lighting system array has been moved to a different location within the area.

FIG. 2f is a front view of the computer of FIG. 2e , which includes the display of FIG. 2c displaying a digital location map corresponding to FIG. 2 e.

FIG. 2g is a front view of the computer of FIG. 2e , which includes the display of FIG. 2c displaying a digital light map corresponding to FIG. 2 e.

FIG. 2h is a front view of the computer of FIG. 2e , which includes the display of FIG. 2c displaying another digital light map.

FIG. 3a is a block diagram of an apparatus, which includes the lighting system array of FIG. 2a and a light sensor array operatively coupled to the computer.

FIG. 3b is a schematic diagram of the apparatus of FIG. 3a proximate to an area of FIG. 3b , wherein the apparatus includes the lighting system array and light sensory array of FIG. 3 a.

FIG. 3c is a front view of the computer of FIG. 3b , which includes the display of FIG. 2c displaying a digital location map corresponding to FIG. 3 b.

FIG. 3d is a front view of the computer of FIG. 3b , which includes the display of FIG. 2c displaying a digital light map corresponding to FIG. 3 b.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The invention disclosed herein is a lighting system for facilitating the growth of plants, wherein the lighting system provides a position indication of its location. The invention disclosed herein can be understood with reference to U.S. Pat. Nos. 8,297,782 and 8,668,350, the contents of all of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Further, the invention disclosed herein can be understood with reference to U.S. Patent Application Nos. 20130294065 and 20130293156, the contents of all of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. The position indications discussed herein can be of many different types of indications, such as an electrical signal. The electrical signal of the position indications can be of many different types of electrical signals, such as a digital position signal and analog position signal.

Some embodiments of the invention disclosed herein determine a location parameter. The location parameter typically corresponds to a position, such as a physical position. The location parameters can be of many different types, such as a position coordinate. The position coordinate can include many different types of coordinates, such as a latitude, longitude, and height.

The location parameter can be determined in many different ways, such as by using a positioning chip. The positioning chip can be of several different types. One example of a positioning chip is a Global Positioning System (GPS) chip. More information regarding GPS chips can be found in U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,477,187, 7,592,954, 7,626,543, 8,330,654, 8,489,124, and U.S. Patent Application No. 20120252482, the contents of all of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. The information of the position coordinate can correspond to the information provided by the GPS chip.

Another example of a positioning chip is a Radio Signal Strength Indicator (RSSI) chip. More information regarding RSSI chips can be found in U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,009,573 and 8,548,497, the contents of all of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. There are several commercially available RSSI chips, such as those manufactured by ANALOG DEVICES of Norwood, Mass. Example RSSI chips provided by ANALOG DEVICES include the AD8306, AD8307, AD8309, AD8310, AD8317. MAXIM INTEGRATED of San Jose, Calif. also provides an RSSI chip. An Example RSSI chip provided by MAXIM INTEGRATED is the MAX2511. More information regarding all of these chips can be found in their corresponding Data Sheets, which are readily available.

The embodiments of the invention disclosed herein can determine the location parameter using triangulation. More information regarding triangulation can be found in U.S. Pat. No. 6,452,544, and U.S. Patent Application Nos. 20120257604 and 20140241189, the contents of all of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. Triangulation can utilize a BLUE TOOTH compliant chip, such as the BlueNRG Low Energy Wireless Network Processor and STLBC01 Low Energy Microcontroller, which are both manufactured by ST Microelectronics of Geneva, Switzerland.

The embodiments of the invention disclosed herein can determine the location parameter by determining a network ping response rate (e.g. pinging). More information regarding pinging can be found in U.S. Pat. Nos. 8,116,783 and 8,731,493, and U.S. Patent Application Nos. 20100150117 and 20140036894, the contents of all of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

The embodiments of the invention disclosed herein can include a computer, which determines the location parameter of the lighting system. The computer can adjust a light signal provided by the lighting system in response to a control indication that the location parameter has been adjusted. The control indications discussed herein can be of many different types of indications, such as an electrical signal. The electrical signals of the control indications can be of many different types of electrical signals, such as a digital control signal and analog control signal. The computer can adjust the light signal provided by the lighting system by adjusting an output signal, which flows between the computer and the first lighting system. The output signals discussed herein can be of many different types of signals, such as an electrical signal. The electrical signals of the output signals can be of many different types of electrical signals, such as a digital output signal and analog output signal.

The computer can determine the location parameter of the lighting system in many different ways, such as by using a wireless network. The wireless network can be of many different types, such as a wireless mesh network. An example of a wireless mesh network is one that uses a Zigbee module (IEEE 802.15.4). More information regarding Zigbee modules can be found in U.S. Pat. Nos. 7,260,360, 7,957,697, 8,107,513, 8,046,431, the contents of all of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. The wireless network can be a wireless personal area network. An example of a wireless personal area network is one that uses Bluetooth (IEEE 802.15.1). More information regarding Bluetooth modules can be found in U.S. Pat. Nos. 8,565,112, 8,706,032, 8,805,277, 8,615,270, the contents of all of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety. It should be noted that the lighting system can have a corresponding Internet Protocol (IP) address to facilitate the identification of the lighting system by the computer.

FIG. 1a is a block diagram of an apparatus 100 a, which includes a computer 101 and a first lighting system 110 a operatively in communication with the computer 101. In this embodiment, the first lighting system 110 a includes a first light array 130 a operatively in communication with the computer 101, wherein the first light array 130 a is capable of providing a first light signal S_(Light1). The first light array 130 a can be of many different types of arrays, such as those disclosed in the above mentioned U.S. Pat. Nos. 8,297,782 and 8,668,350 and U.S. Patent Application Nos. 20130294065 and 20130293156, wherein the light array includes an array of LEDs.

In this embodiment, the first lighting system 110 a includes a first communication module 120 a in communication with the computer 101. The first communication module 120 a can be of many different types of modules. In this embodiment, the first communication module 120 a includes a positioning chip (not shown) that provides a position indication of the position thereof. The positioning chip of the first communication module 120 a can be of many different types, such as a GPS chip and RSSI chip.

It should be noted that the first communication module 120 a is typically positioned proximate to the first light array 130 a so that the position of the first communication module 120 a corresponds to the position of the first light array 130 a. In this way, the position of the first communication module 120 a corresponds to the position of the first lighting system 110 a.

In this embodiment, the first communication module 120 a provides a first location parameter to the computer 101, wherein the first location parameter corresponds to the location of the first lighting system 110 a. The first communication module 120 a can provide the first location parameter to the computer in many different ways, such as through a wired communication link and a wireless communication link. In this embodiment, the first location parameter is included with a first communication signal S_(Comm1). The first location parameter can be of many different types, such as a position coordinate, which provides the computer 101 with the position indication of the physical position of the first lighting system 110 a. The position coordinate can include many different types of information, such as a latitude, longitude, and height. The information of the position coordinate can be provided by the GPS chip.

In one mode of operation, the first location parameter of the first communication module 120 a is adjusted in response to adjusting the location of the first lighting system 110 a. In this mode of operation, the first location parameter of the first communication module 120 a is adjusted in response to adjusting the location of the first light array 130 a.

In some embodiments, a wireless network is established proximate to the first lighting system 110 a and first communication module 120 a. The wireless network establishes communication between the computer 101 and first communication module 120 a. Hence, the wireless network can be used to flow the first communication signal S_(Comm1) between the computer 101 and first communication module 120 a. In this way, the wireless network can be used to flow the first location parameter to the computer 101. The wireless network can be of many different types, such as those mentioned above.

In this embodiment, the first light array 130 a is used to provide the first light signal S_(Light1) to grow a plant (not shown), wherein the computer 101 is provided with the location of the plant. The location of the first lighting system 110 a can be adjusted to adjust the position of the first light array 130 a relative to the plant. Hence, the first location parameter is adjusted in response to adjusting the position of the first light array 130 a relative to the plant. In this way, the computer 101 is provided with the position indication corresponding to the location of the first lighting system 110 a relative to the plant.

In another mode of operation, the computer 101 adjusts the first light signal S_(Light1) provided by the first lighting system 110 a in response to a first control indication that the first location parameter has been adjusted. In this embodiment, the computer 101 adjusts the first light signal S_(Light1) provided by the first lighting system 110 a by adjusting a first output signal S_(Output1). The first output signal S_(Output1) flows between the computer 101 and the first lighting system 110 a. In particular, the computer 101 adjusts the first light signal S_(Light1) provided by the first light array 130 a in response to the first control indication that the first location parameter has been adjusted. In this embodiment, the computer 101 adjusts the first light signal S_(Light1) provided by the first light array 130 a by adjusting the first output signal S_(Output1). The first output signal S_(Output1) flows between the computer 101 and the first light array 130 a.

FIG. 1b is a block diagram of an apparatus 100 b, which includes the computer 101 and the first lighting system 110 a (FIG. 1a ) operatively in communication with the computer 101. In this embodiment, the first lighting system 110 a includes the first light array 130 a operatively in communication with the computer 101, wherein the first light array 130 a is capable of providing the first light signal S_(Light1). The first lighting system 110 a includes the first communication module 120 a in communication with the computer 101. The first communication module 120 a can be of many different types. In this embodiment, the first communication module 120 a includes a positioning chip (not shown) that provides an indication of the position thereof. The positioning chip of the first communication module 120 a can be of many different types, such as a GPS chip and RSSI chip.

It should be noted that the first communication module 120 a is typically positioned proximate to the first light array 130 a so that the position of the first communication module 120 a corresponds to the position of the first light array 130 a. In this way, the position of the first communication module 120 a corresponds to the position of the first lighting system 110 a.

In this embodiment, the first communication module 120 a provides the first location parameter to the computer 101, wherein the first location parameter corresponds to the location of the first lighting system 110 a. The first communication module 120 a can provide the first location parameter to the computer 101 in many different ways, such as through a wired communication link and a wireless communication link. In this embodiment, the first location parameter is included with the first communication signal S_(Comm1). The first location parameter can be of many different types, such as a position coordinate, which provides the computer 101 with the position indication of the physical position of the first lighting system 110 a. The position coordinate can include many different types of information, such as a latitude, longitude, and height. The information of the position coordinate can be provided by the GPS chip.

Further, in this embodiment, the apparatus 100 b includes a second lighting system 110 b operatively in communication with the computer 101. The second lighting system 110 b includes a second light array 130 b operatively in communication with the computer 101, wherein the second light array 130 b is capable of providing a second light signal S_(Light2). In this embodiment, the second lighting system 110 b includes a second communication module 120 b in communication with the computer 101. The second communication module 120 b can be of many different types. In this embodiment, the second communication module 120 b includes a positioning chip (not shown) that provides an indication of the position thereof. The positioning chip of the second communication module 120 b can be of many different types, such as a GPS chip and RSSI chip.

It should be noted that the second communication module 120 b is typically positioned proximate to the second light array 130 b so that the position of the second communication module 120 b corresponds to the position of the second light array 130 b. In this way, the position of the second communication module 120 b corresponds to the position of the second lighting system 110 b.

In this embodiment, the second communication module 120 b provides a second location parameter to the computer 101, wherein the second location parameter corresponds to the location of the second lighting system 110 b. The second communication module 120 b can provide the second location parameter to the computer 101 in many different ways, such as through a wired communication link and a wireless communication link. In this embodiment, the second location parameter is included with a second communication signal S_(Comm2). The second location parameter can be of many different types, such as a position coordinate, which provides the computer 101 with the position indication of the physical position of the second lighting system 110 b. The position coordinate can include many different types of information, such as a latitude, longitude, and height. The information of the position coordinate can be provided by the GPS chip.

In one mode of operation, the first location parameter of the first communication module 120 a is adjusted in response to adjusting the location of the first lighting system 110 a. In this mode of operation, the first location parameter of the first communication module 120 a is adjusted in response to adjusting the location of the first light array 130 a.

Further, the second location parameter of the second communication module 120 b is adjusted in response to adjusting the location of the second lighting system 110 b. In this mode of operation, the second location parameter of the second communication module 120 b is adjusted in response to adjusting the location of the second light array 130 b.

In another mode of operation, at least one of the first and second location parameters are adjusted in response to adjusting the location of at least one of the first and second lighting systems 110 a and 110 b. In this mode of operation, at least one of the first and second location parameters are adjusted in response to adjusting the location of at least one of the first and second light arrays 130 a and 130 b.

In some embodiments, a wireless network is established proximate to the first and second communication modules 120 a and 120 b and second lighting systems 110 a and 110 b. The wireless network establishes communication between the computer 101 and first and second communication modules 120 a and 120 b. Hence, the wireless network can be used to flow the first and second communication signals S_(Comm1) and S_(Comm2) between the computer 101 and first and second communication modules 120 a and 120 b. In this way, the wireless network can be used to flow the first and second location parameters to the computer 101. The wireless network can be of many different types, several of which are discussed in more detail above.

As mentioned above, the first light array 130 a is used to provide the first light signal S_(Light1) to grow the plant (not shown), wherein the computer 101 is provided with the location of the plant. The location of the first lighting system 110 a can be adjusted to adjust the position of the first light array 130 a relative to the plant. Hence, the first location parameter is adjusted in response to adjusting the position of the first light array 130 a relative to the plant. In this way, the computer 101 is provided with the position indication corresponding to the location of the first lighting system 110 a relative to the plant.

Further, the second light array 130 b is used to provide the second light signal S_(Light2) to grow the plant (not shown), wherein the computer 101 is provided with the location of the plant. The location of the second lighting system 110 b can be adjusted to adjust the position of the second light array 130 b relative to the plant. Hence, the second location parameter is adjusted in response to adjusting the position of the second light array 130 b relative to the plant. In this way, the computer 101 is provided with the position indication corresponding to the location of the second lighting system 110 b relative to the plant.

In one mode of operation, the computer 101 adjusts the first light signal S_(Light1) provided by the first lighting system 110 a in response to a first control indication that the first location parameter has been adjusted. In this embodiment, the computer 101 adjusts the first light signal S_(Light1) provided by the first lighting system 110 a by adjusting the first output signal S_(Output1). The first output signal S_(Output1) flows between the computer 101 and the first lighting system 110 a. In particular, the computer 101 adjusts the first light signal S_(Light1) provided by the first light array 130 a in response to the first control indication that the first location parameter has been adjusted. In this embodiment, the computer 101 adjusts the first light signal S_(Light1) provided by the first light array 130 a by adjusting the first output signal S_(Output1). The first output signal S_(Output1) flows between the computer 101 and the first light array 130 a.

In another mode of operation, the computer 101 adjusts the second light signal S_(Light2) provided by the second lighting system 110 b in response to a second control indication that the second location parameter has been adjusted. In this embodiment, the computer 101 adjusts the second light signal S_(Light2) provided by the second lighting system 110 b by adjusting a second output signal S_(Output2). The second output signal S_(Output2) flows between the computer 101 and the second lighting system 110 b. In particular, the computer 101 adjusts the second light signal S_(Light2) provided by the second light array 130 b in response to the second control indication that the second location parameter has been adjusted. In this embodiment, the computer 101 adjusts the second light signal S_(Light2) provided by the second light array 130 b by adjusting the second output signal S_(Output2). The second output signal S_(Output2) flows between the computer 101 and the second light array 130 b.

In another mode of operation, the computer 101 adjusts at least one of the first and second light signals S_(Light1) and S_(Light2) provided by the corresponding first and second lighting systems 110 a and 110 b. The first and/or second light signals S_(Light1) and S_(Light2) are adjusted in response to a third control indication that at least one of the first and second location parameters of the corresponding first and second lighting systems 110 a and 110 b has been adjusted. In some situations, the third control indication includes at least one of the first and second control indications. In particular, the computer 101 adjusts at least one of the first and second light signals S_(Light1) and S_(Light2) provided by the corresponding first and second light arrays 130 a and 130 b. The first and/or second light signals S_(Light1) and S_(Light2) are adjusted in response to the third control indication that at least one of the first and second location parameters of the corresponding first and second light arrays 130 a and 130 b has been adjusted. As mentioned above, in some situations, the third control indication includes at least one of the first and second control indications.

FIG. 2a is a block diagram of an apparatus 100 c, and FIG. 2b is a schematic diagram of the apparatus 100 c of FIG. 2a proximate to an area 107. The area 107 can correspond to many different types of areas, such as those associated with a grow house and greenhouse. An example of a grow house is a building in which one or more plants are grown inside the building using artificial light, such as light from halogen lamps and/or LEDs. An example of a greenhouse is a building in which one or more plants are grown using at least some natural light. Some greenhouses utilize natural light and artificial light. Examples of greenhouses are provided in U.S. Pat. Nos. 8,915,015, 8,578,650, and 7,228,657, the contents of all of which are incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

In this embodiment, the apparatus 100 c includes the computer 101, and a lighting system array 105 operatively in communication with the computer 101. In this embodiment, the lighting system array 105 includes a plurality of lighting systems, such as the lighting systems 110 a and 110 b of FIGS. 1a and 1b . It should be noted that the lighting system array 105 can include the lighting systems 110 a and 110 b, which are discussed in more detail above. The plurality of lighting systems of the lighting system array 105 are denoted as lighting systems 110 a, 110 b, . . . , 110N, wherein N is a whole number greater than one. For example, when N is equal to three (N=3), the lighting system array 105 includes the lighting systems 110 a, 110 b, and 110 c. When N is equal to five (N=5), the lighting system array 105 includes the lighting systems 110 a, 110 b, 110 c, 110 d, and 110 e. It should be noted that N is equal to four (N=4) in FIG. 2b , so that the apparatus 100 c includes the lighting systems 110 a, 110 b, 110 c, and 110 d. In general, the lighting system array 105 includes one or more lighting systems.

The lighting systems of FIGS. 2a and 2b include a communication module, such as the first and second communication modules 120 a and 120 b, as well as a light array, such as the first and second light arrays 130 a and 130 b. Example communication modules are discussed in more detail above, and an example of the lighting systems of FIGS. 2a and 2b is provided in more detail below.

In this embodiment, the computer 101 determines the location parameter of each lighting system of the lighting system array 105, as shown in FIG. 2b . The location parameter corresponds to the location of a corresponding lighting system of the lighting system array 105, as discussed in more detail above with the first (FIGS. 1a and 1b ) and second (FIG. 1b ) location parameters. The lighting systems 110 a, 110 b, 110 c, and 110 d have first, second, third, and fourth location parameter of P₁, P₂, P₃, and P₄, respectively. In this embodiment wherein N is equal to four, the first, second, third, and fourth location parameters P₁, P₂, P₃, and P₄ are included with the first, second, third and fourth communication signals S_(Comm1), S_(Comm2), S_(Comm3), and S_(Comm4), respectively. In the embodiment wherein N is equal to three, the first, second, and third location parameters P₁, P₂, and P₃ are included with the first, second, and third communication signals S_(Comm1), S_(Comm2), and S_(Comm3). In the embodiment wherein N is equal to five, the first, second, third, fourth, and fifth location parameters P₁, P₂, P₃, P₄, and P₅ are included with the first, second, third, fourth, and fifth communication signals S_(Comm1), S_(Comm2), S_(Comm3), S_(Comm4) and S_(Comm5). In general, the N^(th) location parameters P₁, P₂, P_(N) are included with the N^(th) communication signals S_(Comm1), S_(Comm2), . . . , S_(CommN). It should be noted that the computer 101 can determine the location parameter of the lighting system in many different ways, such as those discussed in more detail above. For example, the computer can determine the location parameter using GPS, RSSI, triangulation and/or pinging.

In one embodiment of the apparatus 100 c, the computer 101 determines the location parameter of the lighting systems of the lighting system array 105. For example, in one situation, the computer 101 determines the first location parameter P₁ of the first lighting system 110 a, wherein the first location parameter P₁ is provided to the computer 101 with the first communication signal S_(Comm1). In another situation, the computer 101 determines the second location parameter P₂ of the second lighting system 110 b, wherein the second location parameter P₂ is provided to the computer 101 with the second communication signal S_(Comm2). In another situation, the computer 101 determines the third location parameter P₃ of the third lighting system 110 c, wherein the third location parameter P₃ is provided to the computer 101 with the third communication signal S_(Comm3). In another situation, the computer 101 determines the fourth location parameter P₄ of the fourth lighting system 110 d, wherein the fourth location parameter P₄ is provided to the computer 101 with the fourth communication signal S_(Comm4). In general, the computer determines the N^(th) location parameter P_(N) of the lighting system 110N, wherein the N^(th) location parameter P_(N) is provided to the computer with the N^(th) communication signal S_(CommN).

In another embodiment of the apparatus 100 c, the computer 101 determines the location parameter of the lighting systems of the lighting system array 105. For example, in one situation, the computer 101 determines the first and third location parameters P₁ and P₃ of the lighting systems 110 a and 110 c, wherein the first and third location parameters P₁ and P₃ are provided to the computer 101 with the first and third communication signals S_(Comm1) and S_(Comm3), respectively. In another situation, the computer 101 determines the second location parameter P₂ of the second lighting system 110 b, wherein the second location parameter P₂ is provided to the computer 101 with the second communication signal S_(Comm2). In another situation, the computer 101 determines the third location parameter P₃ of the third lighting system 110 c, wherein the third location parameter P₃ is provided to the computer 101 with the third communication signal S_(Comm3). In another situation, the computer 101 determines the fourth location parameter P₄ of the fourth lighting system 110 d, wherein the fourth location parameter P₄ is provided to the computer 101 with the fourth communication signal S_(Comm4). In general, the computer 101 determines the N^(th) location parameter of at least one of the lighting systems 110 a, 110 b, 110N, respectively, wherein the N^(th) location parameter are provided to the computer 101 with the corresponding N^(th) communication signals.

FIG. 2c is a front view of the computer 101 of FIG. 2b , which includes a display 102. The display 102 can be of many different types, such as one typically included with a computer to display an image. The display 102 can also be one typically used with a mobile electronic device, such as a mobile phone and personal digital assistant. An example of a mobile phone is an IPHONE and an example of a personal digital assistant is an IPAD.

In this embodiment, the computer 101 provides a digital location map 103 corresponding to the location parameters discussed in more detail above. The digital location map 103 is displayed by the display 102. The computer 101 can provide the digital location map 103 in many different ways, such as those discussed in more detail above. For example, the computer 101 can determine the location parameter using GPS, RSSI, triangulation and/or pinging.

In this embodiment, the digital location map 103 corresponds to the positioning of the lighting systems 110 a, 110 b, 110 c, and 110 b as shown in FIG. 2b , wherein the lighting systems 110 a, 110 b, 110 c, and 110 b have first, second, third, and fourth location parameters P₁, P₂, P₃, and P₄, respectively. The digital location map 103 includes a first lighting system icon 111 a which represents the first lighting system 110 a, wherein the first lighting system icon 111 a is represented as being at a position corresponding to the first location parameter P₁. The digital location map 103 includes a second lighting system icon 111 b which represents the second lighting system 110 b, wherein the second lighting system icon 111 b is represented as being at a position corresponding to the second location parameter P₂. The digital location map 103 includes a third lighting system icon 111 c which represents the third lighting system 110 c, wherein the third lighting system icon 111 c is represented as being at a position corresponding to the third location parameter P₃. The digital location map 103 includes a fourth lighting system icon 111 d which represents the fourth lighting system 110 d, wherein the fourth lighting system icon 111 d is represented as being at a position corresponding to the fourth location parameter P₄.

It should be noted that the lighting system icons 111 a, 111 b, 111 c and 111 d are graphical representations of the corresponding lighting systems 110 a, 110 b, 110 c, and 110 d. The lighting system icons 111 a, 111 b, 111 c and 111 d generally include a pixel, wherein the pixel can include color. The lighting system icons 111 a, 111 b, 111 c, and 111 d can have an image file format, such as JPEG, TIFF, and BMP.

FIG. 2d is a front view of the computer 101, which includes the display 102. In this embodiment, the computer 101 provides a digital light map 104 corresponding to the location parameters discussed in more detail above. The digital light map 104 is displayed by display 102.

The computer 101 can provide the digital light map 104 in many different ways. In this embodiment, the digital light map 104 corresponds to the positioning of the lighting systems 110 a, 110 b, 110 c, and 110 b as shown in FIG. 2b , wherein the lighting systems 110 a, 110 b, 110 c, and 110 b have first, second, third, and fourth location parameters P₁, P₂, P₃, and P₄, respectively. The digital light map 104 includes contour lines which represent the intensity of light provided by the lighting systems 110 a, 110 b, 110 c, and 110 b. For example, the number and density of contour lights proximate to first location parameter P₁ represents the intensity of light provided by the first lighting system 110 a. The number and density of contour lights proximate to the second location parameter P₂ represents the intensity of light provided by the second lighting system 110 b. The number and density of contour lights proximate to the third location parameter P₃ represents the intensity of light provided by the third lighting system 110 c. The number and density of contour lights proximate to the fourth location parameter P₄ represents the intensity of light provided by the fourth lighting system 110 d.

The contour lines can be determined by the computer 101 in many different ways, several of which are discussed in more detail below. The computer 101 can be in communication with a light sensor which provides light intensity information. Software operating on the computer 101 can use the light intensity information provided by the light sensor to provide the contour lines. There are many different types of software that can be used, such as imaging software. Some examples of imaging software that can be used include PROSOURCE for light source modeling and TRACEPRO. Other types of software that can be used include building design software. Building design software is generally used to determine the lighting requirements of a building. Some examples of building design software include ECOTECT, RELUX, and RADIANCE. In this way, the computer 101 provides the digital light map 104 corresponding to the amount of light provided by the lighting system array 105.

It should be noted that the digital light map 104 can be driven to a desired digital light map in response to adjusting the location of a lighting system of the lighting system array 105. This feature will be discussed in more detail with FIGS. 2e, 2f and 2g below.

FIG. 2e is a schematic diagram of the apparatus 100 c of FIG. 2b proximate to the area 107, wherein the second lighting system 110 b has been moved so it has a fifth location parameter P₅. It should be noted that the fifth location parameter P₅ is not equal to the second location parameter P₂ (FIG. 2b ) because the second lighting system 110 b of FIG. 2e is at a different location than the second lighting system 110 b of FIG. 2b . It should also be noted that the second lighting system 110 b of FIG. 2b is shown in phantom in FIG. 2e for illustrative purposes and to show the difference between the first and fifth location parameters P₂ and P₅. In this embodiment, the computer 101 determines the location parameter of each lighting system of the lighting system array 105, as discussed in more detail above.

FIG. 2f is a front view of the computer 101 of FIG. 2e , which includes the display 102. In this embodiment, the computer 101 provides a digital location map 103 a. In this embodiment, the digital location map 103 a corresponds to the positioning of lighting systems 110 a, 110 b, 110 c, and 110 d as shown in FIG. 2e , wherein the lighting systems 110 a, 110 b, 110 c, and 110 d have the first, second, third, and fourth location parameters P₁, P₅, P₃, and P₄, respectively. The digital location map 103 a includes the first lighting system icon 111 a which represents the first lighting system 110 a, wherein the first lighting system icon 111 a is represented as being at a position corresponding to the first location parameter P₁. The digital location map 103 a includes a fifth lighting system icon 111 e which represents the second lighting system 110 b, wherein the second lighting system icon 111 b is represented as being at a position corresponding to fifth location parameter P₅. The digital location map 103 a includes the third lighting system icon 111 c which represents the third lighting system 110 c, wherein the third lighting system icon 111 c is represented as being at a position corresponding to the third location parameter P₃. The digital location map 103 a includes the fourth lighting system icon 111 d which represents the fourth lighting system 110 d, wherein the fourth lighting system icon 111 d is represented as being at a position corresponding to the fourth location parameter P₄.

As discussed in more detail above with FIG. 2e , the fifth location parameter P₅ corresponds to the new location of the second lighting system 110 b. The second lighting system 110 b is represented by the fifth lighting system icon 111 e to indicate that it is at the new location. It should also be noted that the second lighting system icon 111 b of FIG. 2b is shown in phantom in FIG. 2f for illustrative purposes and to show the difference between the second and fifth location parameters P₂ and P₅. In this way, the digital location map 103 (FIG. 2c ) is adjusted, to provide the digital location map 103 a, in response to adjusting the location of a lighting system of the lighting system array 105.

FIG. 2g is a front view of the computer 101 of FIG. 2e , which includes the display 102. In this embodiment, the computer 101 provides a digital light map 104 a corresponding to the location parameters discussed in more detail above with FIGS. 2e and 2f . The digital light map 104 a is displayed by display 102.

As mentioned above with FIG. 2d , the computer 101 can provide the digital light map 104 a in many different ways. In this embodiment, the digital light map 104 a corresponds to the positioning of lighting systems 110 a, 110 b, 110 c, and 110 d as shown in FIG. 2f , wherein the lighting systems 110 a, 110 b, 110 c, and 110 d have the first, second, third, and fourth location parameters P₁, P₅, P₃, and P₄, respectively. The digital light map 104 a includes contour lines which represent the intensity of light provided by the lighting systems 110 a, 110 b, 110 c, and 110 d. For example, the number and density of contour lights proximate to the first location parameter P₁ represents the intensity of light provided by the first lighting system 110 a. The number and density of contour lights proximate to the fifth location parameter P₅ represents the intensity of light provided by the second lighting system 110 b. The number and density of contour lights proximate to the third location parameter P₃ represents the intensity of light provided by the third lighting system 110 c. The number and density of contour lights proximate to the fourth location parameter P₄ represents the intensity of light provided by the fourth lighting system 110 d. In this way, the amount of light provided by a lighting system of the lighting system array 105 is adjusted in response to adjusting a selected location parameter.

As mentioned above with FIG. 2d , the digital light map 104 can be driven to a desired digital light map in response to adjusting the location of a lighting system of the lighting system array 105. It should be noted that the location parameter of the lighting system corresponds to the location of a corresponding lighting system. The location parameter of the lighting system is adjusted in response to adjusting the location of the corresponding lighting system. Hence, the digital light map can be driven to the desired digital light map in response to adjusting the location parameter of the lighting system.

For example, in FIGS. 2e and 2f , the second lighting system 110 b has been moved from the location corresponding to the second location parameter P₂ to the location corresponding to the fifth location parameter P₅. In this way, the digital light map 104 has been driven to the desired digital light map 104 a, in response to adjusting the location of the second lighting system 110 b of the lighting system array 105.

FIG. 2h is a front view of the computer 101 of FIG. 2e , which includes the display 102. In this embodiment, the computer 101 provides a digital light map 104 b corresponding to the location parameters discussed in more detail above with FIGS. 2e and 2f . The digital light map 104 b is displayed by display 102. The number and/or density of contour lines are adjustable in response to adjusting the amount of light (e.g. light intensity) provided by a lighting system of lighting system array 105. In this situation, the amount of light provided by the second lighting system 110 b has been adjusted, and the corresponding number and density of contour lines indicated by the fifth location parameter P₅ have been adjusted in response. The number and density of contour lines increases in response to increasing the amount of light provided by the corresponding lighting system. Further, the number and density of contour lines decreases in response to decreasing the amount of light provided by the corresponding lighting system. It should be noted that, in this situation (FIG. 2h ), the number and density of contour lines indicated by the fifth location parameter P₅ have been reduced because the amount of light provided by the second lighting system 110 b has been reduced. However, in other situations, the number and density of contour lines indicated by the fifth location parameter P₅ will be increased in response to increasing the amount of light provided by the second lighting system 110 b. The same is true for the other lighting systems of lighting system array 105, such as lighting systems 110 a, 110 c, and 110 d. In this way, the computer 101 provides a digital light map corresponding to the amount of light provided by the lighting system array 105.

FIG. 3a is a block diagram of an apparatus 100 d, and FIG. 3b is a schematic diagram of the apparatus 100 d of FIG. 3a proximate to the area 107. Information regarding the area 107 is provided in more detail above.

In this embodiment, the apparatus 100 d includes the computer 101, and the lighting system array 105 operatively in communication with the computer 101. Information regarding the lighting system array 105 is provided in more detail above. It should be noted that N is equal to four (N=4) in FIG. 3b , so that the apparatus 100 d includes the lighting systems 110 a, 110 b, 110 c, and 110 d. As discussed in more detail above, the lighting systems include a communication module, such as the first and second communication modules 120 a and 120 b, as well as a light array, such as the first and second light arrays 130 a and 130 b.

In this embodiment, the computer 101 determines the location parameter of each lighting system of the lighting system array 105. As shown in FIG. 3b , the location parameters for lighting systems 110 a, 110 b, 110 c, and 110 d are the first, second, third, and fourth location parameters P₁, P₂, P₃, and P₄, respectively. Information regarding the location parameter, and determining the location parameter, is provided in more detail above.

In one embodiment of the apparatus 100 d, the computer 101 determines a location parameter of the lighting systems of the lighting system array 105. For example, in one situation, the computer 101 determines the first location parameter P₁ of the first lighting system 110 a, wherein the first location parameter P₁ is provided to the computer 101 with the first communication signal S_(Comm1). In another situation, the computer 101 determines the second location parameter P₂ of the second lighting system 110 b, wherein the second location parameter P₂ is provided to the computer 101 with the second communication signal S_(Comm2). In another situation, the computer 101 determines the third location parameter P₃ of the third lighting system 110 c, wherein the third location parameter P₃ is provided to the computer 101 with the third communication signal S_(Comm3). In another situation, the computer 101 determines the fourth location parameter P₄ of the fourth lighting system 110 d, wherein the fourth location parameter P₄ is provided to the computer 101 with the fourth communication signal S_(Comm4). In general, the computer determines the N^(th) location parameter P_(N) of the lighting system 110N, wherein the N^(th) location parameter P_(N) is provided to the computer with the N^(th) signal S_(CommN).

In another embodiment of the apparatus 100 d, the computer 101 determines the location parameter of at least one of the lighting systems of the lighting system array 105. For example, in one situation, the computer 101 determines the first and third location parameters P₁ and P₃ of the lighting systems 110 a and 110 c, wherein the first and third location parameters P₁ and P₃ are provided to the computer 101 with the first and third communication signals S_(Comm1) and S_(Comm3), respectively. In another situation, the computer 101 determines the second location parameter P₂ of the second lighting system 110 b, wherein the second location parameter P₂ is provided to the computer 101 with the second communication signal S_(Comm2). In another situation, the computer 101 determines the third location parameter P₃ of the third lighting system 110 c, wherein the third location parameter P₃ is provided to the computer 101 with the third communication signal S_(Comm3). In another situation, the computer 101 determines the fourth location parameter P₄ of the fourth lighting system 110 d, wherein the fourth location parameter P₄ is provided to the computer 101 with the fourth communication signal S_(Comm4). In general, the computer 101 determines the N^(th) location parameter P₁, P₂, . . . , P_(N) of at least one of the lighting systems 110 a, 110 b, . . . , 110N, respectively, wherein the N^(th) locations parameters are provided to the computer 101 with the corresponding N^(th) communication signals.

As mentioned above, the computer 101 can be in communication with a light sensor which provides light intensity information. In this embodiment, the apparatus 100 d includes a light sensor array 140 (FIG. 3a ), wherein the light sensor array 140 is in communication with the computer 101. The light sensor array 140 determines the amount of light proximate to the area 107. Light proximate to the area 107 includes light in the area 107. The light proximate to the area 107 typically includes the light provided by the lighting system array 105. In this way, the light sensor array 140 determines the amount of light provided by the lighting system array 105. The light proximate to the area 107 can also include ambient light, such as sunlight and light from remote sources. An example of a remote source is a light source positioned away from the area 107.

In general, the light sensor array 140 includes one or more light sensors. In this embodiment, the light sensor array 140 includes a plurality of light sensors, which are denoted as light sensors 140 a, 140 b, . . . , 140M (FIG. 3a ), wherein M is a whole number greater than one. For example, when M is equal to three (M=3), the light sensor array 140 includes the first, second, and third light sensors 140 a, 140 b, and 140 c. When M is equal to five (M=5), the light sensor array 140 includes the first, second, third, fourth, and fifth light sensors 140 a, 140 b, 140 c, 140 d, and 140 e. It should be noted that M is equal to eight (M=8) in FIG. 3b , so that the apparatus 100 d includes the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh, and eighth light sensors 140 a, 140 b, 140 c, 140 d, 140 e, 140 f, 140 g, and 140 h.

As mentioned above, software operating on the computer 101 can use the light intensity information provided by the light sensor array 140 to provide contour lines. Hence, in this embodiment, the computer 101 of the apparatus 100 d can use the light intensity information provided by the M^(th) light sensors 140 a, 140 b, . . . , 140M (FIG. 3a ) to provide contour lines (FIG. 3d ). It should be noted that the contour lines are displayed by the display 102.

The light intensity information can be provided by the light sensory array 140 to the computer 101 in many different ways. In this embodiment, the M^(th) light sensors 140 a, 140 b, . . . , 140M of the light sensor array 140 each provide a sense signal to the computer in response to receiving light. In particular, the first light sensor 140 a provides a first sense signal S_(Sense1) to the computer 101 in response to receiving light. The second light sensor 140 b provides a second sense signal S_(Sense2) to the computer 101 in response to receiving light. In general, the light sensor 140M provides an M^(th) sense signal S_(SenseM) to the computer 101 in response to receiving light. In the particular embodiment of FIG. 3b , the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh, and eighth light sensors 140 a, 140 b, 140 c, 140 d, 140 e, 140 f, 140 g, and 140 h provide the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh, and eighth sense signals S_(Sense1), S_(Sense2), S_(Sense3), S_(Sense4), S_(Sense5), S_(Sense6), S_(Sense7), and S_(Sense8), respectively.

In this embodiment, the computer 101 determines a location parameter of each light sensor of the light sensor array 140. The location parameter corresponds to the location of a corresponding light sensor of the light sensor array 140. For example, in as shown in FIG. 3b , the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh, and eighth light sensors 140 a, 140 b, 140 c, 140 d, 140 e, 140 f, 140 g, and 140 h have the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh, and eighth location parameters of S₁, S₂, S₃, S₄, S₅, S₆, S₇, and S₈, respectively. In this embodiment wherein M is equal to eight, the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh, and eighth location parameters S₁, S₂, S₃, S₄, S₅, S₆, S₇, and S₈ are included with the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh, and eighth sense signals S_(Sense1), S_(Sense2), S_(Sense3), S_(Sense4), S_(Sense5), S_(Sense6), S_(Sense7), and S_(Sense8), respectively. In the embodiment wherein M is equal to three, the first, second, and third location parameters S₁, S₂, and S₃ are included with the first, second, and third sense signals S_(Sense1), S_(Sense2), and S_(Sense3). In the embodiment wherein M is equal to five, the first, second, third, fourth, and fifth location parameters S₁, S₂, S₃, S₄, and S₅ are included with the first, second, third, fourth, and fifth sense signals S_(Sense1), S_(Sense2), S_(Sense3), S_(Sense4) and S_(Sense5). In general, the M^(th) location parameters S₁, S₂, . . . , S_(M) are included with the M^(th) sense signals S_(Sense1), S_(Sense2), . . . , S_(SenseM).

It should be noted that the computer 101 can determine the location parameter of the light sensors in many different ways, such as those discussed in more detail above. For example, the computer can determine the location parameter using GPS, RSSI, triangulation and/or pinging. In some embodiments, the light sensors are integrated with a corresponding lighting system, so that the location parameter of the light sensor corresponds with the location parameter of the lighting system. For example, the first light sensor 140 a can be integrated with the first lighting system 110 a, so that the location parameters P₁ and S₁ are the same, or substantially the same. The first light sensor 140 a can be integrated with the first lighting system 110 a in many different ways. For example, the first light sensor 140 a can be carried by the first lighting system 110 a. It should be noted that the first sense signal S_(Sense1) can be included with the first communication signal S_(Comm1), if desired.

FIG. 3c is a front view of the computer 101 of FIG. 3b , which includes the display 102. As discussed in more detail above, the display 102 can be of many different types, such as one typically included with a computer to display an image.

In this embodiment, the computer 101 provides a digital location map 103 b corresponding to the location parameters discussed in more detail above. The digital location map 103 b is displayed by the display 102. The computer 101 can provide the digital location map 103 b in many different ways, such as those discussed in more detail above. For example, the computer 101 can determine the location parameter using GPS, RSSI, triangulation and/or pinging.

In this embodiment, the digital location map 103 b corresponds to the positioning of the lighting systems 110 a, 110 b, 110 c, and 110 b as shown in FIG. 3b , wherein the lighting systems 110 a, 110 b, 110 c, and 110 b have the first, second, third, and fourth location parameters P₁, P₂, P₃, and P₄, respectively. The digital location map 103 b includes the first lighting system icon 111 a which represents the first lighting system 110 a, wherein the first lighting system icon 111 a is represented as being at a position corresponding to the first location parameter P₁. The digital location map 103 b includes the second lighting system icon 111 b which represents the second lighting system 110 b, wherein the second lighting system icon 111 b is represented as being at a position corresponding to the second location parameter P₂. The digital location map 103 b includes the third lighting system icon 111 c which represents the third lighting system 110 c, wherein the third lighting system icon 111 c is represented as being at a position corresponding to the third location parameter P₃. The digital location map 103 b includes the fourth lighting system icon 111 d which represents the fourth lighting system 110 d, wherein the fourth lighting system icon 111 d is represented as being at a position corresponding to the fourth location parameter P₄.

As mentioned above, the first, second, third, and fourth lighting system icons 111 a, 111 b, 111 c and 111 d are graphical representations of the corresponding lighting systems 110 a, 110 b, 110 c, and 110 d. The lighting system icons 111 a, 111 b, 111 c and 111 d generally include a pixel, wherein the pixel can include color. The lighting system icons 111 a, 111 b, 111 c, and 111 d can have an image file format, such as JPEG, TIFF, and BMP.

In this embodiment, the digital location map 103 b corresponds to the positioning of the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh, and eighth light sensors 140 a, 140 b, 140 c, 140 d, 140 e, 140 f, 140 g, and 140 h as shown in FIG. 3b , wherein the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh, and eighth light sensors 140 a, 140 b, 140 c, 140 d, 140 e, 140 f, 140 g, and 140 h have the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh, and eighth location parameters S₁, S₂, S₃, S₄, S₅, S₆, S₇, and S₈, respectively. The digital location map 103 b includes the first light sensor icon 141 a which represents the first light sensor 140 a, wherein the first light sensor icon 141 a is represented as being at a position corresponding to the first location parameter S₁. The digital location map 103 b includes the second light sensor icon 141 b which represents the second light sensor 140 b, wherein the second lighting system icon 111 b is represented as being at a position corresponding to the second location parameter S₂. The digital location map 103 b includes the third light sensor icon 141 c which represents the third light sensor 140 c, wherein the third lighting system icon 111 c is represented as being at a position corresponding to the third location parameter S₃. The digital location map 103 b includes the fourth light sensor icon 141 d which represents the fourth light sensor 140 d, wherein the fourth lighting system icon 111 d is represented as being at a position corresponding to the fourth location parameter S₄. The digital location map 103 b includes the fifth light sensor icon 141 e which represents the fifth light sensor 140 e, wherein the fifth lighting system icon 111 e is represented as being at a position corresponding to the fifth location parameter S₅. The digital location map 103 b includes the sixth light sensor icon 141 f which represents the sixth light sensor 140 f, wherein the lighting system icon 11 if is represented as being at a position corresponding to the sixth location parameter S₆. The digital location map 103 b includes the seventh light sensor icon 141 g which represents the seventh light sensor 140 g, wherein the lighting system icon 111 g is represented as being at a position corresponding to the seventh location parameter S₇. The digital location map 103 b includes the eighth light sensor icon 141 h which represents the eighth light sensor 140 h, wherein the lighting system icon 111 h is represented as being at a position corresponding to the eighth location parameter S₈.

The first, second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh, and eighth light sensor icons 141 a, 141 b, 141 c, 141 d, 141 e, 141 f, 141 g, and 141 h are graphical representations of the corresponding first, second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh, and eighth light sensor 140 a, 140 b, 140 c, 140 d, 140 e, 140 f, 140 g, and 140 h. The first, second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh, and eighth light sensor icons 141 a, 141 b, 141 c, 141 d, 141 e, 141 f, 141 g, and 141 h generally include a pixel, wherein the pixel can include color. The first, second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh, and eighth light sensor icons 141 a, 141 b, 141 c, 141 d, 141 e, 141 f, 141 g, and 141 h can have an image file format, such as JPEG, TIFF, and BMP.

FIG. 3d is a front view of the computer 101, which includes the display 102. In this embodiment, the computer 101 provides a digital light map 104 c corresponding to the location parameters discussed in more detail above with FIG. 3c . The digital light map 104 c is displayed by display 102.

The computer 101 can provide the digital light map 104 c in many different ways, such as those discussed in more detail above. In this embodiment, the digital light map 104 c corresponds to the positioning of the lighting systems 110 a, 110 b, 110 c, and 110 b as shown in FIG. 3b , wherein the lighting systems 110 a, 110 b, 110 c, and 110 b have the first, second, third, and fourth location parameters P₁, P₂, P₃, and P₄, respectively. The digital light map 104 c includes contour lines which represent the intensity of light provided by the lighting systems 110 a, 110 b, 110 c, and 110 b, wherein the intensity of light is provided to the computer 101 by the first, second, third, fourth, fifth, sixth, seventh, and eighth light sensors 140 a, 140 b, 140 c, 140 d, 140 e, 140 f, 140 g, and 140 h of FIG. 3b . For example, the number and density of contour lights proximate to first location parameter P₁ represents the intensity of light provided by the first lighting system 110 a. The number and density of contour lights proximate to second location parameter P₂ represents the intensity of light provided by the second lighting system 110 b. The number and density of contour lights proximate to third location parameter P₃ represents the intensity of light provided by the third lighting system 110 c. The number and density of contour lights proximate to fourth location parameter P₄ represents the intensity of light provided by the fourth lighting system 110 d.

The contour lines can be determined by the computer 101 in many different ways, several of which are discussed in more detail below. The computer 101 can be in communication with a light sensor which provides light intensity information. Software operating on the computer 101 can use the light intensity information provided by the light sensor to provide the contour lines. There are many different types of software that can be used, such as imaging software. Some examples of imaging software that can be used include PROSOURCE for light source modeling and TRACEPRO. Other types of software that can be used include building design software. Building design software is generally used to determine the lighting requirements of a building. Some examples of building design software include ECOTECT, RELUX, and RADIANCE. In this way, the computer 101 provides the digital light map 104 c corresponding to the amount of light provided by the lighting system array 105.

Disclosed herein are various embodiments of a lighting system which provides many useful functions. The lighting system allows the use of a light sensor array to provide light intensity information to a computer. The intensity of the light provided by the lighting system array in a greenhouse can be adjusted to maintain desired light levels. For example, a lighting system can be driven to provide more light in response to a cloud passing by, as sensed by the light sensor array, and driven to provide less light in response to the cloud moving away.

The embodiments of the invention described herein are exemplary and numerous modifications, variations and rearrangements can be readily envisioned to achieve substantially equivalent results, all of which are intended to be embraced within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined in the appended claims. 

The invention claimed is:
 1. An apparatus, comprising: a lighting system array capable of operatively communicating with a computer; the computer being configured to: determine a location parameter of each lighting system of the lighting system array, the location parameter corresponding to the location of a corresponding lighting system; and provide a digital location map corresponding to the location parameters; and wherein the digital location map is adjusted in response to adjusting the location parameter of at least one lighting system of the lighting system array.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the computer provides a digital light map corresponding to the amount of light provided by the lighting system array.
 3. The apparatus of claim 2, further including a light sensor array which determines the amount of light provided by the lighting system array, the light sensor array being in communication with the computer.
 4. The apparatus of claim 2, wherein the digital light map is driven to a desired digital light map in response to adjusting the location of at least one lighting system of the lighting system array.
 5. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the amount of light provided by at least one lighting system of the lighting system array is adjusted in response to adjusting a selected location parameter.
 6. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the computer determines the location parameter of each lighting system in the lighting system array using a global positioning system indication.
 7. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the computer determines the location parameter of each lighting system in the lighting system array using a radio signal strength indication.
 8. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the computer determines the location parameter of each lighting system in the lighting system array using triangulation.
 9. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the computer determines the location parameter of each lighting system in the lighting system array using network ping response rate.
 10. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the computer determines the location parameter of each lighting system in the lighting system array using a wireless mesh network.
 11. The apparatus of claim 1, wherein the computer determines the location parameter of each lighting system in the lighting system array using a wireless personal area network. 